Did you know it's National Breastfeeding Week? Here are the top 5 products I recommend as a nutrition expert.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, which may provide me a small commission for each sale. This allows me to keep providing helpful resources (such as this post). All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm not a mom, bit because I'm in the nutrition space, I get asked a LOT about nutrition for moms, babies, and questions about breastfeeding. Since everyone's experience with breastfeeding differs, it is ultimately so important to find what works for you personally. As a nutrition expert, I've been able to partner with some amazing brands that provide products that may be helpful to you on your breastfeeding journey.
Read on for the top 5 products I recommend to new, expecting, or long-time moms who are interested in knowing what I suggest for breastfeeding.
Note: As of June 2022, I do want to recognize that some areas are still experiencing a formula shortage. Whether you breastfeed exclusively or supplement with formula, know that myself and many other dietetic professionals are working behind the scenes to offer you resources to combat the formula shortage. Please reach out to me via my contact page if you would like more information or need help finding formula locally.
It Takes A Village
... cliché but true! As I mentioned above, I am not currently a mom. However, I have many friends my age and stage of life that are having babies -- and they all say breastfeeding is not what they imagined.
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as this natural, magical thing that just happens easily after a baby is born. As part of my schooling and training to become a diet technician, I studied lactation and nutrition for babies and was shocked to find that this is not the case for many women. So many women feel shame because they struggle to get their baby to latch, feel overwhelmed with newborn feedings, and even feel bad trying to balance breastfeeding and going back to work.
This may seem off topic from what I usually post, but it very much affects dietitians, and I've seem friends and colleagues in my field struggle with the challenges of being a new mom as they try and get back into their work schedule. Around 94% of professionals in the dietetics field identify as female, meaning breastfeeding may become part of balancing a work schedule at some point for many of these women.
The Top 5 Products I Recommend For Breastfeeding
Being in the nutrition space, I've been so lucky to share some sponsored products with you! I've mentioned this many times before, but will say it here again -- I never partner with a brand unless I would use or have used their product myself.
With the health of you and your baby at stake, it is even more imperative that you choose health-promoting products that help you maintain nutritious habits. That's why I do extensive research before recommending anything to you, and that's exactly what I've done with the products listed below.
Since I know time isn't always on your side as a mom, I've also rounded up the most affordable and high-quality options I could find. Here are the best of the best products, and some special discounts for you, too.
1. Prenatal Multivitamin
I got asked about prenatals so much that even though I'm not pregnant or breastfeeding currently, I did the research to find one I would use and that had the research to back it. The result of my findings? FullWell Fertility.
Like it says on the bottle, their Prenatal Multivitamin is not just for pregnancy. It's for everything from pre-conception to postpartum. One of the reasons I love this prenatal is because it is created by a dietitian, and it includes bioavailable forms of vitamins moms need (which is even more important if you are a mom with MTHFR).
Honestly, I could talk it up all day, but you'll just have to try it yourself to see it difference. Don't forget to use code ANNIWEEKS at checkout for 10% off your first order.
2. Nourished Nerves
FullWell has another product that I'm jazzed about. With so many tinctures on the market today, it is hard to tell what's for real (let alone what is safe)!
Nourished Nerves is a newer product from FullWell that I think would be perfect for calming nerves as a new mom. With science to back each thoughtful ingredient, it's a simple mixture meant to invite sleep, ease tension, and promote relaxation.
I don't know about you, but every new mom I know could use that! This would be such a thoughtful gift for someone you know who is up in the middle of the night breastfeeding.
Again, don't forget to use code ANNIWEEKS at checkout to get 10% off your first order. That will bring this tincture to $25.20!
3. Willow Go™ Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow Go is the latest and greatest Willow pump. Like the ever popular Willow Pump 3.0, the Willow Go is the newest, most affordable generation of wearable pumps.
I honestly can't imagine what it was like to be plugged into a wall for the entirety of a pumping session. Especially for new moms, I can imagine you feel like feeding and pumping takes up most of your waking (and sleeping sometimes, haha) hours.
Many of my friends and family members use Willow pumps and love them. There's even an app to help you keep track of everything. From the reviews I've read and the feedback I've heard, this pump was one of the best purchases new moms made to support themselves during the breastfeeding stage.
4. Bamboobies Nursing Pad Multi-Pack
You guys already know that sustainable options are important -- I love advocating for reusable products whenever possible! One such product are Bamboobies ultra-soft nursing pads.
While disposable options may sound great to begin with, they can cost you money in the long run. Instead, Bamboobies are made with organic ingredients, including materials like hemp, cotton, and bamboo. Fun fact -- hemp can also be a food!
This is another great gift idea if you aren't breastfeeding yourself. Or, stick it on your registry if you are expecting! If you're already breastfeeding and not pleased with your current pads, what are you waiting for?
5. Cooper Pearl Multi-Use Cover
As you probably already know, raising a baby can get pricey! It helps to have gear that can do it all, and not a million different items that are each for a different purpose.
One item I recommend to moms is a multi-use breastfeeding cover. My personal favorite is an affordable option from Copper Pearl (available through Baby Cubby). It serves three main functions, two of which are directly related to feeding:
A seat cover
A cover for a nursing mother
A high chair cover
Beyond that it can also be used to cover shopping carts as well! This way, it grows with baby beyond the breastfeeding stage and makes transitioning from breastfeeding to other activities easier.
The Bottom Line on Breastfeeding Supplies
At the end of the day, the best product for you is the one that works for your breastfeeding routine. These are simply the supplies, equipment, and products I recommend to people when they ask for my professional opinion. Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, and you should feel properly fueled and supported in the decision to feed your baby.
For other brands I recommend for mom and baby, please visit my affiliate page for a complete list. As always, contact me if you have any questions about products or the article. Can't wait to hear your feedback on these breastfeeding essentials!
References
Robinson S. Doubling Down on Diversity: The Journey to a More Diverse Field. Foodandnutrition.org. Published June 2020.